Whanganui Special
See what Whanganui Special we have running here at Canoe Safaris.
1'st September–Spring!!
We have canoe trips starting this month and the weather is much warmer and the days longer. The Tui and Bellbird are out on the riverbanks and will give you an early dawn chorus. We have a 4 day Whanganui trip starting on the 27'th September, and a 3 day Whanganui on the 5'th October.
Early season trips are great - not many paddlers and easy paddling with a slightly higher river levels. We have options to stay in huts or camp, and one night is included at Ramanui Lodge.
Please call or email for details
A quick comment
"Dear Simon
A belated thank you to you and Kelly and Jane for the most superb 5 days on the Whanganui before Christmas. It was magic; a really special trip for us and the boys. Some of the things we really appreciated include:
Kelly was so knowledgable about the river and its Maori and Pakeha history - as well as being totally unflappable and great company
We really liked the way the trip was planned - eg combining long days with half days as well as interspersing camping with a hot shower and a comparatively luxurious night at the lovely Bridge to Nowhere lodge. (Danny loved all those baby animals!)
The food was superb - camping food like I've never had before
The rapids are hard enough to give a thrill but not so hard they are too scary
The scenery and the peace and tranquility was magnificent
Thanks again - we totally recommend your company!
cheers
Kate"
New Canoes. Summer 2009: We've updated our canoe fleet with 7 new NovaCraft Canoes from Canada, and also two new river kayaks with storage hatches, a few new tents, paddles and rescue equipment including another satellite phone.
Lavender Farm One Day trip. This is a new trip for this season on the upper section of the Whanganui River. The trip starts at Taumarunui and takes you through the many small bouncy rapids to the finishing point 22km downstream at Ohinepane. There is still plenty of the early riverboat history to be seen with the remains of rock weirs that were made over 100 years ago to keep the channels deep enough. Lunch is on the river or after a short walk to the Lavender Farm where you can enjoy a cold drink, tea or espresso coffee. We use our 6 person Voyageur Canoes for this trip with a guide in the back of each boat. The trip is suitable for the whole family and takes around five hours.
2 Day Whanganui Trip with Jetboat. This trip covers the scenic 3 day section of the river but with a Jetboat included to make it possible over a weekend. The first night is at John Coull hut and campsite, then on day two we paddle 18km to the start of the Bridge to Nowhere track. After lunch we walk to the Bridge and back to the river. A short paddle and we are met by the jetboat and are whisked the last 21.5km down to Pipiriki and then by bus back to Ohakune.
Thanks to James Morris of Ventureweb.net for the makeover of the website. James worked as a Whanganui river guide for a number of seasons before eventually moving to Canada and setting up Ventureweb. If you are looking for a website or a re-design then contact James at Ventureweb. Please drop us a note if you think there is anything on the site that needs tweaking.
If you are thinking of a trip this summer please drop us an email, or call on 0800 272335
Many Thanks,
The Canoe Safaris Team
What our customers say
We did a family 4 day guided canoe trip, it was absolutely amazing. Very professional, our guides Morgan and Aiden were very knowledgeable and friendly. The food was way above expectation and the memories we have made will be with us forever. Highly recommend.
Leeann Morgan
Had the most enjoyable trip in my life. Took the 4 day canoe safari down the Wanganui river. We thoroughly enjoyed it, couldn't have asked for better guides, Erin and Jordan. Their knowledge and expertise was invaluable. The scenery was out of this world, at times we felt as though no one...
Sharon Gamble
Absolutely amazing experience with Canoe safaris! We did a 4-day canoe trip in the Whanganui river with Canoe safaris. Our guides, Phil and Ian are highly experienced, professional and helpful. Almost everything we need were provided, including tent, 3-meals everyday plus snacks, life jacket,...
Mandy Qiu
We went on the four day canoe safari and absolutely loved it! Amazing scenery, and great service. Aidan and Morgan really went the extra mile to make sure everyone was happy and comfortable. Food was just like the comforts of home! We were very well looked after, and felt safe on the...
Nicola Johansen
A couple of good mates decided we'd do this trip some time ago and Canoe Safari's helped make it happen. Alex, Bailey, Lesley and Canon our guides / hosts were absolutely amazing. Scenery was stunning - seems like little has changed on the landscape in hundreds of years... still...
Hawkdwn
I would like to thank Mike, Stefan and Sophie for a great rafting experience on the Mohaka River. They were all such fun, very experienced and wonderful chefs too. Certainly a fantastic holiday and one to be recommended. So a big thank you for making it happen.
Sinda Hall
SIMPLY SENSATIONAL. Just completed the 3 day trip. Our guides Wilson and Gregor were fantastic. Cool, clear, calm (even when I tipped the wife out of our canoe). Always felt safe, always felt informed. The food was sensational. From the time we were greeted to the time we departed, I was very...
Warren J, Christchurch, NZ
We were part of a group of 8 friends doing the 3 day trip with Phil and Wai as guides. They were both terrific and very organised. Phil is excellent explaining how to manoeuvre through the rapids and the safety control was first class.
52Diane
This was out and out one of the best experiences I've ever had. The trip exceeded my expectations in every department. The hospitality was second to none and the care taken for all of us was outstanding. Safety was never forgotten and was balanced with a load of fun and great humour...
Simon Christie
This was the best family trip ever! Three course meals, a wealth of knowledge from our awesome guides, and no devices, were just three reasons we would highly recommend this adventure. Phil and Simon were amazing guides and worked from the moment we were collected for our trip to the moment we...
Richard Beechey